Winterling (Winterling, #1) in Mock Newbery 2026

Sep 22, 2011 Kathryn rated it really liked it

Shelves: annie-and-katie-bookclub, fantasy-sci-fi, middle-grade, huffleryn-book-club

An enjoyable read. I felt immersed in the fantasy world, and really enjoy Prineas' style of writing. The characters were interesting, and Fer makes a good heroine--strong and confident (without it feeling like the author is trying too hard on the "girl power" front) but also empathetic and questioning. I really liked the character of Grand-Jane and wanted to know more about her; it's nice to see a book with an older character being such a central figure. The ending was a bit anticlimactic and un ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Dec 21, 2011 Donalyn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: children-s-fantasy, ncbla-committee-2013-books

4.5 stars I will read anything, but I have a fondness for the sort of books I loved as a child-- fantasy books with wild, magical things, dark woods, secrets, and brave, smart children. I enjoyed Winterling tremendously and it has been passed from child to child since I brought it into my classroom.

1 like · Like · see review

Dec 13, 2011 Beverly rated it it was amazing

FTC Disclosure: I received an Advance Copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.

Winterling by Sarah Prineas

From the back of the book: With her boundless curiosity and spirit, Fer has always felt that she doesn't belong. She hears the call of the wild wood, of the secrets it whispers to her. But when her grandmother reveals clues about the disappearance of her father and his mystical bond to her mother, Fer begins to unlock the secrets about the parents she n FTC Disclosure: I received an Advance Copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.

Winterling by Sarah Prineas

From the back of the book: With her boundless curiosity and spirit, Fer has always felt that she doesn't belong. She hears the call of the wild wood, of the secrets it whispers to her. But when her grandmother reveals clues about the disappearance of her father and his mystical bond to her mother, Fer begins to unlock the secrets about the parents she never knew. Led to a reflecting pool that uncovers the Way, Fer finds an enchanting dangerous land.

In this place cloaked in wonder, where pucks transform from boys to horses, Fer feels a strange magical attachment. But with her mother gone, everything has spun out of order and evil has imprisoned the place in ice. Now it is up to Fer to face down the power Mor, who has cruelly taken over this world and it's people, and discover the legacy she carries within.

What I liked about the book: The story is very well written with fully developed characters. It's easy to like everyone but the evil Lady. Prineas has a done a good job at creating a magical world that readers will want to know more about. It's a quick read. Prineas has created a nice balance between adding enough details to keep readers engaged without adding so many complex details that struggling readers might feel compelled to give up on the story. I'm not sure if this will be a series or not. It could easily be a stand alone read (though I hope not) or the beginning of a great new series. It does have a darkish fairy nature to it without being to dark or terrifying. Prineas has truly shown great talent in the balancing of this story. I definitely recommend this for my 4th and 5th grade students who like magical fairy tale adventures.

What I didn't like about the book: That it ended so soon. But, perhaps that's not a really a con - shouldn't a good book leave the reader wanting more?

This book will be released in January 2012.

Recommended for 4th grade and up.

Mrs. Archer's rating: 5 of 5 ...more

Like · see review

Feb 23, 2012 Mary rated it really liked it

Shelves: middle-grade-novel, grandparents, feelings, fantasy

I wanted to really like this story, but something about it felt a little too...something. Like, why didn't Fer looking through the seeing circle until the very end? Was she afraid the lady would take it away? I'm sure she could have found some way to sneak up on the Lady without her knowing to look at her through the circle. It was still a good book, but not quite sure it will win any literary awards. ...more

Like · see review

Apr 27, 2012 Brandy rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, tweener

I must not be a huge fantasy junkie. This book was ok for me. If you like fantasy you will probably really enjoy it. I am sure my kids will like it a lot.

It took me a long time to read because I wasn't into it that much. I did like it by the end but for me it is not a newbery contender. Good read for kids though. ...more

Like · see review

Mar 22, 2012 Shannon rated it liked it

Shelves: 2012

Couldn't stop reading! Great characters, sweet sense of humor, nice use of herbs and magic. Interested to see how this will be a series-- it does great as a stand-alone, and I hope the followups don't diminish it. ...more

Like · see review